I have some feelings attached to Seongsuidong and I don’t know why 🫣
Nicoleheitong
a day ago
For this place that once inspired me,
I always had an emotional attachment, and after that time it became a place I return to every time I go to Seoul Station.
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In the past two to three years,
Rediscovered instant sticker photos,
From the first accidental encounter,
Over the past year I've paid special attention to this,
It really changed my childhood impression of instant sticker photos.
The process of reconnecting first happened at a few brand events,
Both Coach and Laneige have hosted instant sticker photo events that matched their brand-themed activities.
The photo frames are matched to the season’s theme colors and include the brand name, keeping the design simple. Photo keepsake activities are often a popular moment for guests, and after more than a decade of people endlessly retaking shots on their phones, I’ve noticed that instant sticker photo booths, which capture a one-time moment, actually make people more excited.
After the pandemic passed, I started traveling abroad more again,
Instant sticker photo shops in Japan Tokyo and Korea Seoul Station are always a fun thing I won't skip.
Compared to when instant sticker photo shops were still popular in Macau during my childhood, last year I took some with friends in Japan, and of course there were more choices of machines and styles. They still kept the part where you draw on them after taking the photo, but the trimming was much more convenient and faster than before.
A few days ago in Korea at Seoul Station I paid extra attention and took two sets of photos, I already felt this was a different kind of charm, unlike decorating with pens after taking the picture, what I saw in Seoul Station was that they provided small accessories so people could dress up before taking the photo.
The whole process is more convenient and faster, and you won’t have empty-looking frames if you don’t draw, or worry about drawing poorly. The frames also use templates, with plenty of style and color options.
If I had to say what made me want to write this post,
It was because of a 'scene' I saw in Seongsu-dong,
If you've been to Seongsu-dong, you'll notice the buildings and shops each have their own unique character, yet they come together in a harmonious way. Familiar brands like Dior and Tamburins have also set up distinctive brand buildings there.
This 'scenery' immediately made me think of some of Macau's iconic buildings, like Lovers’ Lane, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, St. Augustine’s Church, Coloane town, and the Maritime Workshop, and in that moment I thought, if there were an instant sticker photo booth shaped like a landmark in a spot frequented by tourists and locals, that could be great, offering a quick, convenient way to capture memories of being there.
Then whether in Japan or Korea, I noticed that the price for an instant sticker photo booth per person is on average about the same as, or less than, the cost of a cup of bubble tea, which is a price many people are willing and able to pay.
By coincidence, after I returned from Korea I went back to Taiwan, and at Arena Mall I saw some brands' anniversary sales had set up instant sticker photo booths. Then... I took photos again, and their templates also centered on the brand mascots, with the anniversary numbers printed on them.
So I suddenly had another idea, Macau hosts a number of recurring annual events like the fireworks competition, the Macau Grand Prix, dragon boat festival, and food festivals. There are also more and more conventions and art exhibitions, and often they set up selfie spots where collecting stamps or check-ins earns small commemorative gifts.
I'm thinking that for these high-traffic events, we could set up some instant sticker photo booths themed to different festivals and celebrations, using different templates so attendees can quickly, easily, and enjoyably leave with a keepsake, like a semi-DIY souvenir.
😌😌😌😌😌
